Anatomical study of perineal pelvic lymphadenectomy.

AIM

One of the major disadvantages of radical perineal prostatectomy used to be that lymphadenectomy could not be conducted through the same incision. We anatomically evaluate perineal pelvic lymphadenectomy using cadavers.

METHODS

Three male specimens that had been subjected to pathological dissection were examined for perineal pelvic lymphadenectomy and the inside views were shown. Operation time, the number of lymph nodes and the inside views of cadavers were evaluated.

RESULTS

We can carry out obturator lymphadenectomy as well as partial internal iliac and external iliac lymphadenectomy between the obturator nerve and external iliac vein under direct vision or laparoscopy in about 20 min. The median number of lymph nodes removed from the three cadavers was eight. It may be easier after prostatectomy because there is then enough space.

CONCLUSION

This method resolves one of the major disadvantages of perineal prostatectomy and makes possible a wide variety of perineal operations.